Montana Rest Area Plan Appendix C - Montana Department of ... · R To: Sheila Ludlow MDT Project...

Montana Rest Area Plan Update September 2014

Appendix C Public and Stakeholder Involvement

Appendix C Public and Stakeholder Involvement

Appendix C

Public and Stakeholder Involvement

Stakeholder Meeting

Stakeholder Letter ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 Resource Agency Letter ............................................................................................................................................. 3 Western Transportation Institute Letter ................................................................................................................... 4 Stakeholder Meeting Minutes ................................................................................................................................... 5 Stakeholder Meeting Sign-in Sheet ........................................................................................................................... 7 Stakeholder Meeting Presentation ........................................................................................................................... 8 Stakeholder Comments ........................................................................................................................................... 16

Public Review Period

Announcement Poster ............................................................................................................................................ 19 News Release .......................................................................................................................................................... 20 Public Comments and MDT Responses ................................................................................................................... 22

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To: Sheila Ludlow

MDT Project Manager

From: Sarah Nicolai

DOWL HKM Project Manager

Date: June 9, 2014

Subject: Montana Rest Area Plan Update

Stakeholder Meeting on June 3, 2014

A stakeholder meeting for the Montana Rest Area Plan Update was held on June 3, 2014, at the

Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) Commission Room in Helena at 1:00 p.m.

Meeting attendees are listed below. A copy of the sign-in sheet is attached to this memorandum.

Sheila Ludlow MDT – Rail, Transit and Planning Division

Chris Dorrington MDT – Rail, Transit and Planning Division

Jean Riley MDT – Rail, Transit and Planning Division

Kim Janzen MDT – Maintenance

Barry “Spook” Stang Motor Carriers of Montana

Carol Crockett Montana Office of Tourism

Lieutenant Larry Irwin Montana Highway Patrol Headquarters

Ed Banderob Take a Break – Take a Walk Five Minute Healthy Habit

Walking Pathways Initiative/Campaign

Sarah Nicolai DOWL HKM

Jessica Salo DOWL HKM

David Stoner DOWL HKM

Stakeholder Coordination

An invitation letter was sent to the stakeholder distribution list on May 19, 2014. A copy of the

letter is provided at the end of this memorandum. DOWL HKM conducted follow-up phone calls

on May 29, 2014, to confirm attendance at the meeting.

Presentation

Sarah Nicolai and Jessica Salo provided an overview of the Montana Rest Area Plan Update

process. Sarah began the presentation with a brief history of Montana rest areas. The presentation

continued with a summary of MDT’s asset management approach, mission, TranPlan21, and draft

rest area guidelines. Jessica provided a brief explanation of MDT’s current rest area network,

M E M O R A N D U M

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Physical Address: Mailing Address: 104 East Broadway P.O. Box 1009 Suite G-1 Helena, Montana 59624 Helena, Montana 59601 Phone: (406) 442 - 0370 Fax: (406) 442 - 0377

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Minutes for Stakeholder Meeting on June 3, 2014

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distinguishing between year-round rest areas, seasonal rest areas, and parking areas. The

presentation concluded with an explanation of MDT guidelines for project identification and

prioritization, project development, and operation and maintenance practices. A copy of the

presentation is attached to this memorandum.

Discussion Period

Comment: Ed Banderob asked how many state-maintained rest areas are currently in the network.

Response: David stated there are 49 rest area sites. Of these 49 sites, 14 are rest areas

serving one direction of travel along an interstate, resulting in 35 total rest area locations.

Comment: Chris Dorrington asked Spook if the current provision of semi-trailer truck parking

spaces seems adequate.

Response: Spook explained the current provision of semi-trailer truck parking is

adequate. However, temporary rest area or parking area closures limit semi-trailer truck

parking. Spook suggested additional semi-trailer truck parking signage, as well as

public/private partnerships along interstate routes to inform drivers of all stopping

opportunities including commercial truck stops, and expanding the number of parking

locations. Spook added there is limited semi-trailer truck parking along US 2 in eastern

Montana.

Response: Kim explained many semi-trailer truck parking locations are closed during

winter months. Kim stated cleaning is an issue when the temperature drops below

freezing.

Comment: Spook noted Utah has a user-friendly website that identifies rest area locations and

services provided.

Response: Kim explained MDT has a similar webpage. Sarah mentioned that MDT will

explore website improvements as part of the plan update process.

Comment: Ed suggested including the word “fatigued” in the second sentence under the

subheading safety in Section 2.3 of the draft guidelines. The resulting revision would read, “MDT

recognizes rest areas provide important safety functions, allowing drivers to stop, rest, and

potentially avoid fatigued, drowsy, or distracted driving and hazardous roadside parking.” Ed

explained mental and physical fatigue are separate and distinct conditions, both of which result in

diminished alertness and response times.

Response: MDT stated the Rest Area Plan Update advisory committee will discuss this

revision at the next meeting.

Comment: Ed suggested adding walking paths at rest area locations, with signage to call attention

to and promote their use. Ed noted existing dog paths or maintenance roads could easily be

modified for pedestrian use. Ed added a short five-minute walk can rejuvenate physically- and

mentally-fatigued drivers, and the pathways may enhance the environment around rest areas. Ed

submitted informational materials on walking paths, which are attached to the memorandum.

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7/14/2014

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Montana Rest Area Plan Update

Stakeholder Meeting

June 3, 2014

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WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS

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MEETING PURPOSE

Rest Area Program History

Overview of Montana Rest Area Plan Update Process

Solicit Stakeholder Input

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PROGRAM HISTORY4

Early 1930s: Picnic/Camping Areas 1934: First Rest Area (Helena) 1940s and 1950s: Roadside Parking Areas 1960s: Rest Areas

NOWTHEN

Greycliff EB, constructed 1972. Greycliff EB, reconstructed 2014.

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ASSET MANAGEMENT

Systems Monitoring and Performance

Results

Program Delivery

Planning and Programming

Policy Goals and Objectives

Quality

Information

and Analysis

Source: AASHTO, 2002.

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MDT MISSION

Quality: Provide convenient, accessible rest areas

Safety: Avoid drowsy/distracted driving

Cost Effectiveness: Target greatest needs

Economic Vitality: Support tourism & trucking

Sensitivity to the Environment: Avoid and minimize impacts to extent practicable

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TRANPLAN 21

Traveler Safety: Action A.6. Address safety requirements, including both driver fatigue and personal safety, in updates to the Rest Area Plan.

Economic Development: Action D.1.Promote tourism through improved rest areas and co‐location of travel information centers.

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DRAFT GUIDELINESState‐maintained Rest Areas

Site Evaluation

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DRAFT GUIDELINESNetwork Evaluation

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All Rest Areas and Parking Areas

DRAFT GUIDELINESNetwork Evaluation

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Excluding Parking Areas and Seasonal Rest Areas

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DRAFTGUIDELINESState‐maintained Rest Areas

Project Identification & Prioritization

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DRAFT GUIDELINESState‐maintained Rest Areas

Project Development Phase I/Phase II Process

Operation and Maintenance Parking/Ramps Buildings/Site Water/Wastewater

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DRAFT GUIDELINESParking Areas, City Park Rest Areas, and Other Sites

State‐maintained Parking Areas Provide safe stopping opportunities and fill spacing needs

City Park Rest Areas Implement program controls

Sites Maintained by Others Provide safe stopping opportunities and fill spacing needs

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STAKEHOLDER DISCUSSION

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Draft Rest Area Plan Update

30‐day Public Review Period

Finalize Plan

NEXT STEPS15

Website http://ftp.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/restareaplan/

Submit Comments by June 13th!Sarah NicolaiDOWL HKMPO Box 1009

Helena, MT [email protected]

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We Want Your Comments!Draft Montana Rest Area Plan

Greycliff Rest Area

Bozeman Rest Area

Anaconda Rest Area

Dena Mora Rest Area

Sweetgrass Rest Area

Submit CommentsSarah Nicolai DOWL HKMP.O. Box 1009Helena, MT 59624

[email protected]

http://www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml

Review Locations

• MDT Headquarters 2701 Prospect Ave., Helena, MT 59601

• MDT Missoula District Office 2100 W Broadway, Missoula, MT 59807

• MDT Butte District Office 3751 Wynne, Butte, MT 59702

• MDT Great Falls District Office 200 Smelter Ave. NE, Great Falls, MT 59403

• MDT Glendive District Office 503 N River Ave., Glendive, MT 59330

• MDT Billings District Office 424 Morey Street, Billings, MT 59104

Print copies of the draft plan may be viewed at:

Website

http://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/restareaplan/

An electronic version of the draft plan is available on MDT’s website at:

MDT has developed a draft Montana Rest Area Plan for public review. The plan represents MDT’s comprehensive statewide vision for the MDT Rest Area Program in the context of challenges such as aging infrastructure, high rest area demand and visibility, and limited funding. This planning document will help MDT identify and prioritize program needs, consider a range of investment options, and select options that best meet program goals and objectives.

Review Period July 18, 2014, to August 18, 2014

Submit Comments By August 18, 2014

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Montana Department of Transportation

Mike Tooley, Director

Steve Bullock, Governor

July 18, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:

Lori Ryan, MDT Public Information Officer, (406) 444-6821

MDT announces a public review period for the

draft Montana Rest Area Plan

Helena - The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is initiating a

public review period for the draft Montana Rest Area Plan. The review period

will extend from July 18, 2014, to August 18, 2014.

The Montana Rest Area Plan represents MDT’s comprehensive statewide vision

for the MDT Rest Area Program in the context of challenges such as limited

funding, aging infrastructure, high rest area demand and visibility. This

planning document will help MDT identify and prioritize program needs,

consider a range of investment options, and select options that best meet

program goals and objectives. The plan provides guidelines for state-

maintained rest areas, state-maintained parking areas, and the city park rest

area program.

An electronic version of the draft report will be posted to MDT’s website on

July 18, 2014: http://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/restareaplan

Print copies of the draft report may be viewed, beginning July 18, 2014, at:

MDT Headquarters; 2701 Prospect Avenue; Helena, MT 59601

MDT Missoula District Office; 2100 W Broadway; Missoula, MT 59807

MDT Butte District Office; 3751 Wynne; Butte, MT 59702

MDT Great Falls District Office; 200 Smelter Ave. NE; Great Falls, MT 59403

MDT Glendive District Office; 503 N River Avenue; Glendive, MT 59330

MDT Billings District Office; 424 Morey Street; Billings, MT 59104

Public participation is a very important part of the process, and the public is

encouraged to provide comments. Written comments may be submitted by

mail to Sarah Nicolai, DOWL HKM, P.O. Box 1009, Helena, MT 59624; by email

to [email protected]; or online at


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http://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/restareaplan

mailto:[email protected]


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Montana Department of Transportation

Mike Tooley, Director

Steve Bullock, Governor

Please submit comments by August 18, 2014, and indicate comments are for

the Montana Rest Area Plan.

For the hearing impaired, the TTY number is (406) 444-7696 or 1-800-335-

7592, or call the Montana Relay at 711. Alternative accessible formats of this

information will be provided upon request. ---------END----------

Project name: Montana Rest Area Plan

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Comment Received Before Rest Area Plan Comment Period Comment #1 MDT Response #1

Thank you for your comment. MDT strives to provide stopping opportunities spaced by a maximum of approximately one hour of travel time (70 miles). Browning is located within the US 2 corridor segment between the Summit Rest Area and the Cut Bank City Park Rest Area, which is approximately 59 miles in length. Funding priority will be given to higher order and higher volume corridors exceeding 70 miles. MDT will continue to prioritize parking opportunities for large vehicles throughout the state.

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Comments Received During Rest Area Plan Public Comment Period (7/18/14 to 8/18/14) Comment #2 MDT Response #2

Thank you for your comment. 2-A

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Comment #3 MDT Response #3

Thank you for your comment. The referenced Table 3-1 (page 28) is from the Rest Area Use: Data Acquisition and Usage Estimation report prepared by the Western Transportation Institute in 2011. These entries have been corrected.

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MDT will consider trails at rest areas where feasible based on funding and site constraints.

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Thank you for your comment. TranPlan 21,

Montana’s long-range transportation policy plan, and the Montana Rest Area Plan recognize the need to provide safe truck parking opportunities throughout the state. Guideline 1 directs MDT to conduct regular site evaluations of state-maintained rest areas. Truck parking demand relative to truck parking supply is assessed during this process. In addition to truck parking provided at state-maintained rest areas, Guideline 27 directs MDT to continue to maintain parking areas throughout the state to provide safe stopping opportunities. MDT recognizes that parking areas help fill truck parking needs along highway corridor segments. Thank you for your comment. Please see response 4-A.

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Thank you for your comment. Please see response 5-A. Thank you for your comment. To promote highway safety and to enable commercial motor vehicle operators to comply with hours-of-service regulations, Guideline 22 notes visitors may remain at state-maintained rest areas up to 12 hours. Thank you for your comment. MDT recognizes the importance of providing consistent rest area signage throughout the state. Guideline 1 directs MDT to conduct regular site evaluations of state-maintained rest areas. Highway rest area signage is evaluated during this process. MDT will consider improvements to existing signage.

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Comment #6, continued MDT Response #6, continued

Thank you for your comment. MDT designates separate parking locations for passenger vehicles and commercial truck vehicles at state-maintained rest areas. Thank you for your comment. Traveler safety is a top MDT priority. As noted in Section 2.4 of the plan, MDT recognizes rest areas provide important safety functions and is committed to providing safe opportunities for resting adjacent to Montana’s highways. Rest area building and site designs will incorporate features that promote patron safety and accessibility. Interior and exterior lighting features will illuminate parking stalls, building entry/exit points, picnic shelters, walkways, and other appropriate locations. Safety features and traveler safety information will be provided, as appropriate for each site. Thank you for your comment. MDT is committed to providing appropriate building/site features and accommodations at state-maintained rest areas. MDT will also conduct regular network evaluations to determine the need for new rest areas.

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Comment #6, continued MDT Response #6, continued

Thank you for your comment. Guideline 30 directs MDT to work cooperatively with partners to provide stopping opportunities throughout the state. Thank you for your comment. MDT will consider OOIDA as a future resource/stakeholder for trucking-related issues of interest.

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MDT Response #7 MDT Response #7

Thank you for your comment. Please see responses 6-A through 6-H.

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Thank you for your comment. Guideline 11 notes that as a condition of

using rest area pet accommodations, pet owners must keep animals within designated and signed areas, leash their animals outside of fenced pet areas at all times, and dispose of animal waste. Guideline 20 outlines MDT’s process to conduct regular maintenance evaluations at state-maintained rest areas. Evaluations are intended to assess the condition and function of state-maintained rest areas; identify elements in need of repair or service; and provide facilities in safe, clean, and attractive condition. Site evaluations include consideration of the condition and function of landscaped areas.

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Thank you for your comment. Guideline 3 directs MDT to identify and prioritize rehabilitation, reconstruction, and new construction projects based on health index scoring, network evaluation results, program tradeoffs and risks, and input from the Statewide Rest Area Prioritization Plan Committee and MDT Districts.

MDT will consider the need for rest area improvements on the Interstate 15 corridor between the Dearborn and Divide rest areas.

Thank you for your comment. MDT will consider you as resource/stakeholder for the Jefferson City Rest Areas.

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Thank you for your comment.

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Thank you for your comment. Rest areas play an important role in the statewide transportation network by providing safe stopping opportunities along Montana’s highways.

Thank you for your comment. MDT recognizes the value of rest areas, and continues to focus on addressing critical rest area issues. MDT is committed to providing safe opportunities for resting adjacent to Montana’s highways. Guideline 17 directs MDT to continue to maintain parking areas throughout the state to provide safe stopping opportunities.

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Thank you for your comment. Guideline 11 directs MDT to provide site-appropriate accommodations in consideration of constraints and needs. Site and user characteristics will be considered to identify appropriate accommodations that improve rest area function and appeal. Thank you for your comment. Guideline 5 directs MDT to design entrance and exit ramps in accordance with applicable MDT design standards, where practicable, in consideration of site constraints. MDT will strive to meet current MDT design standards for highway ramps at new sites, and explore

opportunities to address existing features that do not meet current design standards. Thank you for your comment. MDT allows rest area visitors to remain at state-maintained rest areas up to 12 hours. Tent camping is prohibited. MDT encourages travelers to plan ahead and identify designated camping opportunities along their route of travel. Thank you for your comment. Guideline 11 notes rest area accommodations may include bicycle maps and tourism/recreation information. MDT will prioritize and approve printed traveler information materials for display at state-maintained rest areas as space permits. Thank you for your comment. Please see response 4-A.

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Thank you for your comment. Please see response 5-A. Thank you for your comment. Please see response 6-D. Thank you for your comment. Please see responses 4-A and 5-A.

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Comments Received After Rest Area Plan Comment Period Comment #14 MDT Response #14

Thank you for your comment. Please see response 5-A.

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Thank you for your comment. The design of individual rest areas is dependent on site constraints such as available right-of-way, the presence of environmental features, and other limitations unique to each site. Site design is also influenced by safety considerations such as building visibility from the highway.

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Thank you for your comment.

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Montana Rest Area Plan Appendix C - Montana Department of ... · R To: Sheila Ludlow MDT Project...

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